Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

On 2 June 2015, Australia applied for accession to the Revised Agreement on Government Procurement (‘the Revised GPA’).

Australia's commitments on coverage are laid down in its final offer, as submitted to the Parties to the Revised GPA (‘the Parties’) on 7 March 2018.

Although comprehensive, the offer by Australia does not provide full coverage. It is thus appropriate to introduce certain carve-outs specific to Australia to Union coverage. These specific carve-outs, as reflected in the Attachment to this Decision, will become part of the terms of accession to the Revised GPA for Australia and will be reflected in the decision adopted by the Committee on Government Procurement (‘the GPA Committee’) on Australia's accession.

Australia's accession to the Revised GPA is expected to make a positive contribution to further opening of public procurement markets internationally.

Article XXII(2) of the Revised GPA provides that any Member of the WTO may accede to the Revised GPA on terms to be agreed between that Member and the Parties, with such terms stated in a decision of the GPA Committee.

It is therefore appropriate to establish the position to be taken on behalf of the Union within the GPA Committee in relation to the accession of Australia,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: